Photo: Scott Palmer · CC BY-SA 4.0South Bend’s public schools score below 82% of Indiana districts on tests and graduation
Math proficiency in South Bend’s districts is 14%, below the Indiana average (38%). The grade covers the public school district serving South Bend, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Indiana, not nationally.
From Indiana state tests taken in spring 2022, when 98% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
South Bend’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 769 Indiana towns with household incomes within a quarter of South Bend’s, its schools beat 2%, lower than their 18% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 21% of tested students were proficient in reading and 14% in math, against 41% and 38% statewide; 98% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
81% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 88% across Indiana. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $17,729 per student, against $13,688 across Indiana (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
17 elementary schools, then nine middle and four high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. Enrollment is down 13% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind South Bend’s grade
C−: better than 18% of Indiana school districts, #576 of 592 Indiana towns. Both inputs trail the Indiana average; test scores are the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve South Bend, with each school’s own grade.
South Bend’s public schools are run by South Bend Community School Corporation, which also serves Centre, Clay, German and Greene and others. Parts of South Bend (3% of its land) are served by Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation instead. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
South Bend vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Indiana towns that share South Bend’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| South Bend | C− | South Bend Community School Corporation |
| Mishawaka | A− | Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation PK–12 · Mishawaka School City PK–12 |
| Portage | C− | South Bend Community School Corporation |
| Penn | A+ | Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation |
Every school in South Bend
25 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Indiana’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about South Bend’s schools
Are South Bend’s schools good?
On Indiana’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools South Bend children attend score below 82% of Indiana’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C− Schools grade, #576 of 592 Indiana towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 2%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is South Bend in?
South Bend Community School Corporation, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 13,569 students in 28 schools (2024–25). Small parts of South Bend are served by Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation.
Where do South Bend kids go to high school?
One of 4 high schools, depending on your address: Adams High School, Riley High School, Washington High School and Rise Up Academy at Eggleston.
What is South Bend’s graduation rate?
81% of the class of 2023 in South Bend Community School Corporation graduated in four years, against 88% across Indiana.
How much does South Bend spend per student?
$17,729 in South Bend Community School Corporation (FY2024), against $13,688 across Indiana. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What South Bend families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near South Bend → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Indiana. Stars are from neighbors.